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Word Maps

A word map is a visual organizer that promotes vocabulary development. Using a graphic organizer, students think about terms or concepts in several ways. Most word map organizers engage students in developing a definition, synonyms, antonyms, and a picture for a given vocabulary word or concept. Enhancing students' vocabulary is important to developing their reading comprehension.

Children's books to use with this strategy

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

By: William Steig

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

When a young donkey named Sylvester comes across a magic pebble, he saves himself from a confrontation with a lion by wishing himself into a rock. Frantic parents search for Sylvester until they stop for a picnic on a large rock. Rich language and humorous cartoon illustrations make this a memorable classic.

Big, Bigger, Biggest

By: Nancy Coffelt

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

One animal's claim is followed by others who are successively bigger, smaller, etc., each using rich (and richer) descriptors.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

By: Beatrix Potter

Genre: Fiction, Fairy Tales and Folk Tales

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Peter’s disobedience almost gets him cooked while his siblings, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail enjoy a tasty supper in this timeless and satisfying tale. Potter’s carefully detailed and highly realistic illustrations amplify the fantasy and dramatize Peter’s possible consequences.

Comments

I enjoyed reading about Word Maps. Actually they're like
graphic organizers for words and students can relate to that.
Interesting reading.

I would love to use this strategy I my 1st grade class as well. Vocabulary is one area my higher level readers need to be challenged in, especially since we are reading 2nd grade level books. I would complete a word map as a group, then let them work in partners. I think the children would love to share their work with the group, and even with the class after reading a new book.

I love to use word maps in kindergarten. We do these a lot together as a class to discuss new vocabulary. We also use a lot of pictures on the map as needed to help students create an understanding of the word. We do it on chart paper during whole group reading.

This looks like a great tool to use when promoting vocabulary development. I like how it can be modified for any grade level and can work with any content area. It challenges the student to think beyond the meaning of the word. I also like that it is a 'visual' graphic organizer.

I can't wait to try this in my first grade class now. My students are advanced readers and I'm always looking for fun ways to challenge them. This would be great to use a dictionary for practice and you can incorporate so many things with word association while doing this.

How can I use word maps in groups? I don't have a lot of time and what I usually do is assign one word to a group of 4/5 students. Each group does the research and comes up with something similar to Example 2, and then we share our completed words and the rest of the class takes notes. Then I post each completed word map where they are visible to the students.